Ahmadiyya Gazette Canada

can only offer advice, which may be
refused if the Sultan so pleases. Iran
also practices Shr where the
leader consults with other clergies.
Majlis Shr in Jam`at
Ahmadiyya
In Jam`at Ahmadiyya, Majlis Shr
is an advisory consultative council
of the Jam`at. This institution was
established in 1922 by Hadrat Mirza
Bashirudin Mahmood Ahmed,
Khalfatul Mash II (ra).
International Majlis Shr normally
convened annually to submit its
recommendations to Hadrat
Khalfatul Mash on such matters of
international importance, as might
be entrusted to it through the
members of the Jam`at through
their Amrs and Majlis `mila.
Apart from International Majlis
Shr, every country now holds its
own National Shr annually to
discuss and advise the National
Amr on matters of national
importance. The National Amr then
forwards these recommendations to
Hadrat Khalfatul Mash for his
consideration and approval. The
first Majlis Shura of Canada Jama`at
was held on December 24, 1977. It
was also the first day of Jalsa Salana
Canada.
Members of Majlis Shr
Majlis Shr is composed of the
Presidents and elected
representatives of the local Jam`ats,
members of the National Majlis
`mila (including Central
Missionaries working in any
capacity) and other national office
bearers.
Proceeding of Majlis Shr
The format of the session of Majlis
Shr is as follows:
• After the inaugural address by
Hadrat Khalfatul Mash, or his
representative as the case may be,
a report of the Majlis Shr of the
previous year is presented by the
Secretary Shr.
• The minutes of the previous
regular annual Shr are
confirmed by the Majlis Shr.
• The approved agenda for the
current meeting is presented by
Secretary Shr.
• If it is an election year (to elect
office bearers of the Jama`at), then
national office bearers are elected
for a 3-year term.
• If required, sub-committees are set
up for detailed consideration of
the items/proposals on the
agenda. It is to be noted that all
the proposals on the agenda which
could be submitted by any
Auxiliary organization, Jama`at, or
National Majlis `Amila are
reviewed and approved by Hadrat
Khalifatul Masih.
• The sub-committees submit their
reports to the Shr for discussion
and formulation of its
recommendations.
• After discussing the proposal and
the report of the sub-committee,
the Majlis Shura then formulates
its recommendations by majority
vote.
The Amr submits the proposed
recommendations to Hadrat
Khalfatul Mash for his
consideration and decision. Hadrat
Khalfatul Mash, at his pleasure,
generally accepts the
recommendations made by the
majority. However, if he is of the
view that a recommendation ignores
a principle, he explains the principle
and rejects the recommendation. He
may also, at his discretion, accept
the proposal in a modified form.
Etiquettes of Majlis Shr
All delegates and participants are
expected to observe certain rules
and etiquettes of Majlis Shura,
which is regarded as a highly formal
session. During the proceedings,
delegates speak when they are
invited to do so. For secretarial
purposes, they should clearly state
their full name and the Jam`at they
represent. They should seek
permission from the chair by raising
their hands before leaving the
council while in session and can
leave if the permission is granted.
During the proceeding of the Shr,
members should engage themselves
in Istighfar (seeking Divine
forgiveness) and invoke blessings
on the Holy Prophet (sa), and try to
keep one’s mind clear of any
worldly thoughts.
Participation in the Shr should be
purely for the sake of Allah and one
should be clear-headed and
engaged in prayer throughout the
proceedings. In addition to the
above, the following should be
specially observed during Majlis
Shr:
• The intention should never be to
convince others of one’s opinion
and others’ opinions should be
carefully listened to.
• The delegate should not give an
opinion on someone’s behalf and
should not concur merely because
of whose opinion it is. One should
give an opinion in view of
whatever is under discussion with
the best possible assessment and
judgment.
• The delegate should not be hasty
to form an opinion.
• The delegate should not follow
emotions; rather facts and figures
Majlis Shr 29